Theater
NFL Dei efforts at a full show during the 4th annual Night of Duma from Glaad – Essence

Among the recent efforts in favor of questioning or in some cases, the erasure of the importance of diversity, justice and integration (DEI), the National Football League (NFL) stays unwavering in his involvement in embracing and celebrating people. Two days before the biggest football match in the NFL yr, she hosted the fourth annual Pride night, in cooperation with Glaad and presenting the sponsor Smirnoff.
“We are strange and we are here,” says Sarah Kate Ellis, president and director of Glaad. “[Tonight] Reminder that we belong everywhere – including on the pitch, stands and under every aspect of this sport. “
Together with this yr’s Night of Duma, Glaad celebrates the fortieth anniversary, and Ellis says to see their logo, and NFL together 4 many years later is “serious progress”. “We went a long way,” he continues – and I bet our founders would really like to see us here tonight. I do not even know if they may imagine it. “
By happening at the Joy Theater in Nowy Orleans, NFL and Glaad, some of the most administered and various Crescent City acts, including Recent awarded Grammy Tank and Bangas and headliner big freedia. Duma night opened with Bejorettes-inspired Beyoncé Dance and Parade Krewe based in Nowy Orleans.
“I am here to represent not only for my city, but for the LGBTQ+community,” says Big Freedia. “I am here to reveal my presence and talk about great causes and things that affect our community. It is important that we can all help all communities and it is great to see NFL behind us. “
Freedia also wonders how difficult it’s growing up and differs from all others. “As a child, I was definitely nervous. I was chosen. I was intimidated. [But] In the end I started to build confidence and I had my city here in Nowy Orlean behind me. [Now] I am loud and proud and I am not sorry for anything I want to do and who I am. “
Big Freedia believes that taking a position of just one member of the LGBTQ+ community can have a huge difference. “Use your voice. Be an ally for someone and support [them] in any way you can. “
The former host of CNN, Don Lemon, praises the NFL for sacrificing the diversity, justice and integration. “I don’t even know if I can express what it means to be here tonight … Being here is an amazing honor.” Lemon also wonders how far skilled sports took place. “When I came and before I left, there were no such events. I am satisfied with the progress made, although we must make more progress. The goal should be to show that it is normally to be a member of the community and be proud and gay, and be able to play professional sports. “
Although NFL refuses to follow the trend of rejecting Dei initiatives, like other predominant corporations, there remains to be a stigma that surrounds those that play football. In June 2021, the defensive end and Linebacker, Carl Nassib from Las Vegas Raiders became the first gay player of the NFL. After retiring from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, In the NFL 2024 season there was no opening of gays or bisexual NFL players; However, there’s one trainer – Kevin Maxen, Associated Trainer of Strength from Jacksonville Jaguars.
“The continuous involvement of NFL in the inclusion of LGBTQ is more important than ever”, divides Ellis. “LGBTQ+fans, players and employees deserve to see themselves in the sport they love. Trusted and beloved American brand, such as NFL [should] Inspire all fans, parents, teachers, trainers and athletes to be allies of LGBTQ+ and treat themselves with honesty on the pitch and outside. Thank you to the Commissioner [Roger] Goodell, [Chief Marketing Officer] Tim Ellis [Senior Vice President and Chief DEI Officer] Jonathan Beane, [Senior Director of DEI] Josephine Martinez and the entire NFL team for your partnership and work to make it possible for our community. Together we will move forward, making sure that sport and our culture are really for everyone. “
Theater
Influence of black glam on Milan Fashion Week – Essence

Getty images
The season able to wear AW25 in Milan is over. The city is synonymous with luxury, fashion and, unfortunately, an extended popularity of exclusivity in the style and cosmetics industry. While fashion could be very focused on the moments of the runway, it is simple to overlook creative forces behind them. The whole village of artists, stylists and technicians works in tandem to revive the designer’s vision. Without the correct beauty direction, even probably the most beautifully crafted clothes can fall flat.
Imagine that you just are sitting in the primary place on a really anticipated program. The darkened, musical lights of Crescendos and the primary model enters the runway. But something is turned off – their face is unintentionally naked, their hair is untouched. Magic is lost immediately. In other words, Beauty is an indispensable element of telling stories that shapes the way in which the gathering is perceived and remembered. And yet, despite the Milan Fashion Week, by which he organizes 23 essential catwalk shows this season, only two black lichers we all know Helmed teams: The Legendary Pat McGrath, who organized makeup for Versace, and Virgie Pinto Moreirawho led the direction of hair for Ferragamo.
Their work was not only making a look – it was about giving a tone, raising the gathering and proveing why the range of beauty leadership is crucial. Milan’s resistance to turning behind the scenes is nothing latest. Their presence on the catwalk in Milan was a triumph, but additionally served as a transparent reminder of the work to be done. Two black requests within the highlight from 23 essential programs aren’t enough. Their talent deserves celebration, but their rarity in these roles emphasizes the industry proof against real integration.
Below is a deeper view of the work of two Glam experts through the AW25 Week Medilan Fashion Week season.
AW25 Versace and Pat McGRath
Makeup of the AW25 Versace program was a master class in balance and contrast, and Pat McGrath led a charge. Focusing? Brave, a vampire lip that emanated power, seduction and rise up. McGrath understood the duty, ensuring that the lip of the statement didn’t overwhelm, but as a substitute harmonized without effort with the remainder of the wonder.
To balance deep, dramatic plum shades on the lips, she created an ethereal, light complexion – the skin that looked like lunar law. Radian was not only a glow; Added the softness and atmosphere of trust. Carved cheekbones, eyes defined by a subtle, iridescent lavender eye shadow, and soft eyebrows allowed the lips to be central, maintaining general elegance, which seemed modern and complex.
The result was the right complement to the AW25 Donatella Versace collection, which celebrated old and latest – with a mix of nostalgic scale, tailoring, sensual silhouettes and punk accents. When the garments passed the border between strength and sensuality, McGratha did the identical thing – causing an undeniable aura of self -confidence to the runway with a bit of the rebellious spirit embodimenting the subject “Superhereos Versace”.
AW25 Ferragamo and Virgie Pinto Moreira
“Bloom in motion. Statement in red. “Creative director Ferragamo, Maximilian Davis, drew inspiration from the German expressionist dance movement from the start of the twentieth century, known for his emotional story and fluidity. The collection, with an emphasis on grace, discipline and strict expression, required the looks of hair, which seemed equally purposeful – known but powerful.
Pinto Moreira assured that the direction of the hair hit the right balance: minimal but influential. The hair of each model was meticulously rejected back and stayed away from the face, allowing them to be natural to a central place – attracting all their eyes to the clothing. It was the equivalent of makeup without makeup, but within the case of hair-so much of polished with the air of refined simplicity.
Style differences added the depth of general aesthetics, remaining a faithful motif. Some models wore sharp middle parts with cascading hair in soft, but blunt, liquid lines, subtly nodding head against the controlled but expressive nature of Tanzteter. Others wore elegant braids, strengthening the sense of structure and elegance. Meanwhile, models with natural 4C textures have been proud to present each band of their beautiful bends and coils, a quiet but powerful statement within the industry, which is historically natural black hair.
Together, these elections created a coherent but diverse narrative of hair – one which reflected the spirit of movement, identity and craftsmanship embedded in Davis’s vision for the AW25 Ferragamo collection.
Theater
Ruth E. Carter about the archiving of her black kinematic heritage – essence

Thanks to the kindness of SCAD
The past to the present: Fashion generations is a brand new series of women’s stories women who deal with interference, who made a big contribution to fashion.
Interview with Ruth E. Carter appears to be a master class about the black material history. Her memory of the costumes of some of the most vital cultural movies presents a transparent picture of her heritage, imagination and dedication to Crafts. Sharing this heritage with the audience is her travel exhibition, Ruth E. Carter: AfroTumism in costume DesignArriving at the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis on March 22.
Carter’s profession is coloured with devoted self -education and ingenuity. Learning essential nuances between the aesthetic distance in the theater or the “texture subtlety” enlarged by a movie film led her to define a story of a story that sees no restrictions on creation. Regardless of whether it means spending countless hours in the study in library collections, or transforming the pier Imports Placed in the warrior’s head, its dedication to telling stories as a way of cultural behavior is undeniable.
The importance of archiving this work is a fact he feels about. Together with its early beginnings resulting from the Carter theater, she saw archiving costumes as the next part of the work. Because theatrical budgets were often limited, having a set of previous costumes that may be derived, and re -image was crucial.

“After entering the film industry in 1987, I thought:” Well, we created so many costumes, there are lots of things that might be useful when [Spike Lee] He returns to make one other movie, “he starts. “At that point he was burning, he made a brand new film yearly. So I might approve things in the basement of 40 acres and mule, his production company. “After repeatedly finding that the clothes were dropped from one or another reason, she realized:” Maybe I am unable to save every part we do in the theater, but I can save things which are essential for the film. ”
Carter explains how no one talked about the design of costumes on this era of movies, apart from Lee, remembering their name and work in interviews, and as well as, nobody thought about talking to the designers themselves. Today, because of his journey, Ruth E. Carter educates a brand new generation on the cultural impact of design.
“Now, by me, collecting important songs from my films for years, I gathered this collection of the history of black cinema. The conversation came to the fore and we are able to talk about the process of being a costume designer. “Thanks to this process, he proudly shows his life work at the Children’s Museum with the intention of inspiring young people to find art and costumes as an actual profession path.
“It took me a long time to realize this exhibition,” explains the curatorial process. For the first time she began after the release in 2018 – she became the first black woman who won the Academy Award for the best costume project the following 12 months. From her childhood sewing machine and early sketches in college, to closer take a look at the ZOOT and Turkana-Tribe suits inspired by beads, the result was a comprehensive story with a full circumference.

“I chose things for this exhibition, which would not only inspire artists and show a costume design, but also gave people historical education.” This includes the dress she wore to receive her historical Oscar award.
The companion of her work inside Indianapolis displayHe is the work of the visual artist of Israel Solomon. Carter explains the overlapping of two media, for instance through the theory of colours and a job that every time plays: “The project of visual art and costumes tell stories that shape cultural narrative”, shares. “[They] Celebrate identity and heritage in a unique and powerful way. “
Seeing how all this work connects, the deeply approving Carter. “I see the passion that I took with me to each of these films.” She talks about the wisdom she gained at every project and the way the use of “anachronisms” allowed her to be historically accurate when moving a conversation forward. After she learned about the significant history of Indigo and was capable of tell the story of the historic wreck of the ship through the fruits of her delivery, ensuring an in depth history of black culture and survival through the cinema.

“I am very intended in my work, and when I see it all together, sometimes it is overwhelming. It’s a joy; Celebrating who I am and what I could do for many years of my career and how influence it is for people. ”
He returns to the thought of parents bringing their inquisitive and inventive children to the exhibition and the way transformational may be for a beginner mind. This is especially essential because artistic education and programs lose financing. As a toddler, Carter received creative sales points by supporting her local people, supported for her by a single mother. She believes that access to the community in this manner was shaped by her future and private development, and thus enriching her believes that children find obligatory safety networks and extracurricular possibilities. Its purpose is to encourage this cultural exploration and community through a narrative, which she builds with every film, and strengthen this curiosity through the exhibition.
On this subject, he emphasizes Afrofuturism, an idea that he strongly uses in his work. Carter defines Afrofuturism as “the unification of culture and technology in one space.” This union shows the way black communities have historically imagined possibilities outside our oppression.
He looks more clearly at Afrofuturistic stylization as a option to the shape of a collective identity rooted in pride and immunity. Take, for instance, the challenge of the throne scene, wherein a number of traditional clothing reinforced with futuristic technology appeared. “For me [about] Mixing traditions and innovations in creating projects that feel the past, while imagining a bold and vibrant future. ”
For Carter, Afrofuturism is just as obligatory for Earth, Winds, Fire and Parliament-Funkadelica as to speed up Lee, which shapes its world switching on through the film. He hopes that they testify to this exhibition, young children can feel moved to play clothes, conjure up the character and shape their paths of life through ingenious lenses.
Theater
Billboard Women in Music 2025, to honor Erykah Badu, Muni Long and more – essence

(Photo of Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
The way forward for music is a girl – at the least according to a billboard, which restores its annual Women in music The event on March 29 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood. The night led by Laverne Cox will have fun women shaping the industry, from icons to rising stars.
This 12 months’s distinction is Erykah Badu, which is able to receive the ICON award for its cultural and music contribution. Badu, from Dallas, a profession inside twenty years, a breakthrough in the music industry because the release of your debut album in 1997. The combination of elements of jazz, soul, hip-hop and r & b, an revolutionary approach of Badu to music, fashion and artistry meant that it became a deposit of up to date culture. Her influence goes beyond her music – a transparent Badu style and fearless authenticity left a trace to generations of musicians and fans, strengthening her place as probably the most essential cultural icons of the twenty first century.

In recognition of her amazing profession, The Icon Award is the appropriate honor for Badu, who not only broke the musical boundaries, but additionally modified the perception of ladies in music. From her newer works, in this Bad, she still evolves as an artist, remaining faithful to her roots. Her unique voice, combined together with her daring approach to creativity, made her a everlasting figure in the industry and is an example of what innovation means, while remaining authentic.
In addition to honoring Bad, this 12 months’s Rising Star Award, handed out by Honda Stage, will go to Muni Long, an artist who had an explosive 12 months in 2024. For a protracted time, the artist awarded grammatical, made a wave in the music industry thanks to her hit “HRS and HRS”, which attacked her on the focal point. Before her fame, Long wrote for one among the best names in the industry, including Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey. However, her decision to get out of behind the scenes and the focal point turned out to be probably the most powerful movements of her profession.
The passage of Long’s Muni from the writer of the songs from behind the scenes to the artist melting the list was unusual. She quickly recognized herself as probably the most essential voices in modern R&B, and her breakthrough success shows no signs of slowdown. Long captured the hearts of fans and critics, which makes her a special star. The Rising Star award is to recognize her rapid growth in importance and her constant success as an artist with a vibrant future.

Although the Billboard Woman of the Year award stays a mystery, anticipation is already being built for the one who takes home the celebrated title. Previous awards include Sha and Cardi B, they each had a big cultural and musical influence. This 12 months’s recipient follows in the footsteps, joining the ranks of ladies who shaped the music industry deeply. Considering the extent of talent on the list of distinction, whoever takes this award home will undoubtedly be someone who has defined again, what it means to be a girl in music.
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